#3. How to Understand and Empower MK’s - Elizabeth Smith

How can we better support missionary kids—and help them thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally?

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Smith about the unique journey of missionary kids (MKs) and third culture kids (TCKs). Elizabeth shares wisdom from her own ministry experience and offers practical insight from the field of TCK care, grief processing, and emotional resilience.

Whether you’re a missionary parent, team leader, or part of a sending church, this episode will equip you to better understand the MKs and TCKs in your life—and empower them to grow into confident, grounded, faith-filled adults.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ Elizabeth’s personal journey into ministry and heart for missionary kids

✅ What a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is and why this identity matters

✅ The story behind TCK Training and how it’s making a global impact

✅ Traits and habits of TCKs who thrive—and how to nurture them

✅ Red flags and warning signs that may indicate a TCK is struggling

✅ How the books The Grief Tower and Unstacking Your Grief Tower help TCKs process and heal

✅ Practical resources and training options available through TCK Training

✅ Encouragement for parents who want to love, lead, and support their children well

This episode is full of grace-filled truth, helpful tools, and gospel-centered encouragement for anyone involved in the lives of missionary kids.

Elizabeth Smith is with the organization TCK Training. (Third Culture Kids). Elizabeth spent five years doing missions work in Papua New Guinea with her husband and two children, and is now COO of TCK Training. TCK Training is committed to helping globally mobile families thrive and, in her role, Elizabeth has helped families all around the globe through debriefings and trainings to help their family thrive. She travels the world together with her own family, sometimes to provide in-person services and always for pleasure.

Elizabeth is the author of “The Practice of Processing”.

Show notes and links:

https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/3-how-to-understand-and-empower-mks-elizabeth-smith

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!